One of the largest crowds ever enjoyed perfect weather for the 29th annual Pembroke Christmas Parade and Festival on Saturday. Folks lined the streets on both sides of the parade route to get a glimpse of parade participants, and children scrambled for the candy thrown by many in the parade.

“The parade was an over-whelming success,” Shanna Waters Davis, Bryan Extension Co-Ordinator said Monday. “We have had so many people call or stop by the office and comment on Facebook about the size of the parade and the number of people enjoying the celebration. I had no idea it would be any better than it had been in the past. We are so thankful for the City of Pembroke, from the mayor to the city-works crew. They keep things running smoothly while most everyone thinks we are doing all the work. Our volunteers put up time before, during and after the parade and nobody sees their efforts. In fact, we started on the 2013 parade this morning. I hope it grows a little every year.”

Taking honors for first place non-profit float was Faith Harvest Sanctuary, second place was Jr. ABATE, third was won by Beulah Baptist Church. The Business Float winner was First Bank of Coastal Georgia.

The 4-H Club again sponsored the Best Decorated Bike Contest. Winners were: first place Louis Hicks, second Seth Lanham, and third Kennon and Raban Cate Bacon.

Entertainment was on-going after the parade from noon to 4 p.m. on the stage next to the police station, featuring a number of performers. Children’s activities, including a bounce house, train ride, giant slide and others were available in DuBois Square.

Vendor booths stretched the length of the parking lot on U.S. 280, and were open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for a wide variety of shopping and food items.

Iris Sims with Thirty-One Products commented that she was happy to support 4-H as a vendor at the parade.

“We have a great turnout and beautiful day, and been doing a great business, so looking forward to the rest of the day,” she said.